Estate of Decay

Estate of Decay

Year

1325 AE

Storyline

Personal story

Chapter

Victory or Death

Location

Waste Hollows
(Malchor's Leap)
Fort Trinity
(Straits of Devastation)

Level

80

Preceded by

What the Eye Beholds

Followed by

A Grisly Shipment
Ossuary of Unquiet Dead

API

337

Loading screen Loading screen back at Fort Trinity, titled "Through the Looking Glass"

Estate of Decay is the follow up personal story mission to What the Eye Beholds for players that chose to attack the Mouth directly rather than to interrupt the food supply.

Objectives

Kill the Mouth of Zhaitan in Kitah Manse.

• Meet the Pact squad near Shelter Docks.
• Speak to Explorer Hekja.
• Defend the perimeter while Hekja scouts the manse.
• Enter Kitah Manse and find the scouting party.
• Kill Lord Kitah, his jester, and the corrupted Hekja.
• Confront the Mouth of Zhaitan in the manse's basement.
• Kill the Mouth of Zhaitan.
• Escape from Kitah Manse.

Report to Trahearne at Fort Trinity to plan the Pact's next move.

• Meet Trahearne back at Fort Trinity.
• Determine a course of action.

Rewards

Click here to edit the reward data

All professions

• 68,580 
• Bag of Loot (7)

Profession-specific

• One of the following: Cleric's Hard Trident, Rampager's Darksteel Spear
• One of the following: Rampager's Darksteel Spear, Assassin's Darksteel Spear
• One of the following: Carrion Hard Harpoon Gun, Assassin's Darksteel Spear
• One of the following: Carrion Hard Harpoon Gun, Assassin's Hard Harpoon Gun
• One of the following: Rampager's Darksteel Spear, Assassin's Hard Harpoon Gun
• One of the following: Rampager's Darksteel Spear, Assassin's Hard Harpoon Gun
• One of the following: Carrion Hard Trident, Cleric's Hard Trident
• One of the following: Assassin's Darksteel Spear, Carrion Hard Trident
• One of the following: Carrion Hard Trident, Assassin's Darksteel Spear

Walkthrough

Inside the instance, you meet up with a group composed of Hekja, Zrii, Snarl and Galina, and some other NPCs. After the cinematic, Hekja goes inside the mansion with a small scouting party to gather information. In the meantime, Galina uses a nearby Risen chicken for target practice; a few Risen animals then attack your group. After defeating them, the group realizes that Hekja has been gone too long and decides to follow the scouts into Lord Kitah's mansion.

Interacting with the closed door at the far side of the room causes the Risen servants to drop their illusions and attack. Clearing these servants opens the door to the next room. Clear out the next groups of undead and proceed around the corner to the next doorway. In the third room you will now face Lord Kitah, a Jester and Risen Hekja - dispatch them with the aid of your allies.

After defeating your inhospitable host and poor Hekja, a door will open into the next room which leads to the cellar. Below, you will see the champion Mouth of Zhaitan and a Risen Courier bringing him magical artifacts to eat. Here are some pointers regarding this fight, which may seem more difficult than it really is:

• The couriers bring the Mouth food, which the mouth will eat to get either 3 stacks of might, protection, or regeneration; all for a long duration. Killing the couriers, who walk slowly and arrives from upstairs, could be a good idea, although not absolutely necessary.
• The Mouth stays in the middle of the room, surrounded by 4 large pillars throughout the fight.
• While the Spectral weapons are alive, they will stun and knock you back if they walk into you; this makes them awkward to melee.
• The Mouth uses a ranged shockwave attack which knocks down and inflicts 5 stacks of confusion or more (up to 15 stacks). Be sure to not use skills at that point if you can't remove the condition. Face away, hiding behind a pillar until the confusion wears out.
• While your allies are alive, the Mouth will be busy fighting them and will not use his shockwave attack. You can then more safely approach and melee the boss if that's your preference. Otherwise use ranged attacks from behind the pillars and pick up rocks to knock down the boss and the couriers whenever you can.
• The Mouth will summon several Spectral Guards and Juggernauts at the beginning and the first time it reaches 50% health. Killing them will revive your defeated allies, if any.
• When each Spectral Guard or Juggernaut reaches 50% health it will stop orbiting the Mouth and move to attack you and can easily be killed.
• You can spend most of the battle hiding behind a pillar sniping the spectral guards one by one until all have been killed twice, then rush the Mouth with your revived allies.
• At some point, the Mouth will be easier to damage, and will die. (This may be a programmed progression to make this fight more manageable). Persist and you will win.

After the Mouth of Zhaitan dies, the ceiling will start to collapse and you are directed to exit the house as fast as possible. Avoid the red circles if possible (although they don't do that much damage) and find your way back to the front door. After trying and failing to open the door, Galina will open it with a push of her shoulder. Exit and proceed to Fort Trinity to report your success to Trahearne who will offer you a choice between sinking an Orrian ship (A Grisly Shipment) or destroying an Orrian ossuary (Ossuary of Unquiet Dead) to reduce Zhaitan's source of bodies for its army.

NPCs

Allies

Asura

• Agent Zrii
• Warmaster Efut

Charr

• Galina Edgecrusher
• Snarl Backdraft

Humans

• Doern Velazquez
• Jester
• Lord Kitah
• Noble
• Servant

Norn

• Explorer Hekja
• Wynnet Fairhaired

Plants

• Sylvan Hound

Sylvari

• Trahearne

Various

• Priory Arcanist
• Priory Explorer
• Priory Historian
• Priory Scribe
• Vigil Crusader
• Vigil Marksman
• Vigil Warmaster
• Whispers Agent
• Whispers Creator

Foes

Risen

• Explorer Hekja (Risen)
• Jester
• Lord Kitah
• Mouth of Zhaitan
• Noble
• Orrian Spectral Guard
• Orrian Spectral Juggernaut
• Risen Bull
• Risen Chicken
• Risen Courier
• Risen Farmer
• Risen Maggot
• Servant

Objects

• Rock

Dialogue

Waste Hollows

Approaching the Pact group:

Galina Edgecrusher: Scorch this. Let's just storm this place, kill everyone we find, and raze it to the ground.

Snarl Backdraft: Nice plan, Bloodie, but the Pact conducts itself with more style than your frothy brain can handle.

Agent Zrii: Keep it down, you louts. Keep your inter-legion bickering to a minimum.

Snarl Backdraft: Whoa! Now that's sneaky. After we beat Zhaitan, how about you come train with the Ash Legion?

Galina Edgecrusher: Jealous, Snarl? That's what comes from being second-rated.

Explorer Hekja: Pipe down. We've got rough work ahead of us. Scout detail! Form up!

Talking to your allies:

Agent Zrii: Hello, Commander. Sick of Orr, yet?

Yes, but I'm not leaving until we do what we came to do.

(When done Defense Contract or Test Your Metal)

Galina Edgecrusher: Good to see you again, Commander. Can you get this squad in motion? Someone has to take charge of these weak-kneed scouts.

We've got a plan and we're sticking to it. Let's move.

Snarl Backdraft: Welcome to the party, <character name>. You're commander now, eh? How about putting that rank to good use and telling that bossy norn to get this show on the road.

I see what I can do, Snarl.

(otherwise)

Galina Edgecrusher: You the commander? We need your input. Someone has to take charge of these scouts who'd rather fret that fight.

Leave it to me.

Snarl Backdraft: If you're the brass we've been waiting for, tell that bossy norn to get the lead out. Scouting shouldn't be this complicated.

Hekja's the one going in, so it's her call.

Speaking to Hekja (cinematic):

Explorer Hekja: Ready to move on your orders, Commander. We have confirmed large numbers of artifacts in transit to this location.

Explorer Hekja: The Priory's readings for the manse are off the scale. If the Mouth eats powerful magic, this place is a Wintersday feast.

<Character Name>: All right. I want you to lead a scouting party into the manse. Reconnaissance only. We need more information before we move in.

Explorer Hekja: Understood. We'll be in and out before they even know we're here.

While defending the perimeter:

Galina Edgecrusher: You bored yet, Snarl? I'm bored. We sit here while that bossy norn has all the fun.

Galina Edgecrusher: Ten gold says I can take down that ugly chicken with one shot.

Snarl Backdraft: You just don't get "patience", do you? But since you asked, ten gold says you can't!

Galina Edgecrusher: That's the most resilient chicken ever. Whoa—it's coming right at us!

Galina Edgecrusher: Ha! Slaughter, mayhem, and a mountain of corpses. That's how we do it!

Snarl Backdraft: For once, we agree. Keep 'em coming, Zhaitan! We've got plenty of blades left!

Agent Zrii: I can't decide if you two are inspiring or terrifying.

After the final wave at the perimeter:

Snarl Backdraft: Well, that was fun. For you. But now it's official: that norn's been gone for too long.

Galina Edgecrusher: Right. Listen up, everyone. Our scouting expert here says we've waited long enough.

Galina Edgecrusher: Operation "Sit On Our Furry Behinds" is over. We're going in. Form up on the commander!

Agent Zrii: Oh, good. I love this part. Stealth is fun, but stealth kills are sublime.

Talking to your allies:

Agent Zrii: Those charr are going to give us away. I expect it from Galina—she's a Blood Legion roughneck. Snarl's from Ash, though. I thought they understood "sneaky."

Let's just find Hekja.

Galina Edgecrusher: Snarl and I are veterans at this sort of thing, so we've got our end of this mission covered. Don't tell him I said that, though. He'll take it as a compilment.

I won't say a word. Let's move out.

Snarl Backdraft: Burn this. I should be in charge of the scouting party, not standing out here listening to that hammerhead Galina.

You've got your orders, soldier. Stick to them.

After entering Kitah Manse:

Lord Kitah: Welcome, one and all, to my humble manor. Come in, come in.

Lord Kitah: Please forgive my meager accommodations. But fear not: my servants will attend to your every need.

Galina Edgecrusher: Burn me. What is this? And what's that gasbag babbling about?

Lord Kitah: A toast to you, honored guest. Eat, drink, and join me in my salon for lively conversation.

Snarl Backdraft: I don't like this. Let's find a way out of here before things get any weirder.

Speaking to any servant:

Servant: We sincerely hope you enjoy you stay at Kitah Manse. Lord Kitah welcomes you, and has instructed us to see to your every need.

What's going on here? Who is Lord Kitah?

His lordship is a devoted servant of Lyssa. It is said that the goddess herself once visited the manse. May she grace us with her presence again in these dark times.

If you say so. What else can you tell me about the manse?

We sincerely hope you enjoy you stay at Kitah Manse. Lord Kitah welcomes you, and has instructed us to see to your every need.

You already said that.

(The servant repeats the two answers endlessly, this line leads to "His lordship is... ")

Move aside. I have business to do with his lordship

I've got to go. Something's not right here.

All right. I'll let you know if I need anything.

Speaking to any servant again:

Servant: We sincerely hope you enjoy you stay at Kitah Manse. Lord Kitah welcomes you, and has instructed us to see to your every need.

I've heard this before. (leads to dialogue as above)

All right. I'll let you know if I need anything.

Talking to your allies:

Agent Zrii: At the risk of stating the obvious, something's not right here. Servants, fancy dress, and toasts? Where did that doorway take us? Are we still in Orr?

I'm not sure. Stay close and be ready.

Galina Edgecrusher: What just happened? This isn't making sense. Is this some sort of trick?

Stay close. We'll figure this out.

Snarl Backdraft: Well, now we know where Hekja was. Never knew a norn who could turn down a party. But seriously, what's going on here? What am I looking at?

Not sure yet. But we're going to find out.

Interacting with the front door again:

Door to Kitah Manse: The door won't budge.

Leave.

Interacting with the door the first time:

Doors: The door is sealed tight and won't budge.

Leave.

After interacting with the door:

Mouth of Zhaitan: When Zhaitan speaks, the world trembles. Come to me and die.

Galina Edgecrusher: We're under attack! Ears up, something's hunting us!

Galina Edgecrusher: Undead servants? Hm. And I thought the service was bad at the Serrated Blade.

After defeating the undead servants:

Snarl Backdraft: Come on, move! Forward! Bash that door down if you have to!

Talking to your allies:

Agent Zrii: I'm ready to classify this as "Orrian mesmer magic." It all adds up: the statue of Lyssa, the strange things we're seeing...

I agree. We'd better find Hekja fast.

Galina Edgecrusher: What's with all these idiots in fancy dress? Where's the Mouth? Just give me a target I can chase down and kill.

As soon as we find the Mouth, you'll get your wish.

Snarl Backdraft: This is some sort of trick, isn't it? Real life isn't this soft and dreamy...or this purple.

Let's find his lordship and make him explain it.

(close option for Mesmer characters)

It's mesmer magic. Trust me: you know scouting, I know this.

Entering the salon:

Lord Kitah: So I said, "A light meal, some light conversation... why do you need such heavy armor, my dear?"

Lord Kitah: Look, it's her friends. Lady Hekja, you simply must introduce us to your companions.

Lord Kitah: I do hope my servants were accommodating. Sometimes it's difficult to keep the lower orders in line.

Lord Kitah: Hekja, my dear: entertain our guests while I attend to the kitchen staff.

Snarl Backdraft: He's holding Hekja prisoner... but he can't hold anything with no arms. Let's get him!

Mouth of Zhaitan: Everything is prey for the dragon. Surrender. Accept your fate.

Galina Edgecrusher: Snap out of it, Hekja! We're on your side!

Snarl Backdraft: Where'd she go? Gah, never mind. Kill these fancy-pants undead and we'll find her later.

Agent Zrii: She's lost to us. We need to focus on finding the Mouth. Find the door and we can go.

Further into the manse (in-game cutscene):

Lord Kitah: Splendid! You have all proven to be quite entertaining diversion.

Lord Kitah: Now, let us entertain you.

After defeating Lord Kitah, his jester and corrupted Hekja:

Snarl Backdraft: Hekja was a good scout. They'll pay for taking her.

Galina Edgecrusher: She deserved better than this. Hekja was a pill, but she was our pill. Let's tear this place down.

Mouth of Zhaitan: I am waiting below. Face me, if you dare.

Talking to your allies:

Agent Zrii: First the attack on Fort Trinity, now this. Zhaitan's resorting to mesmer magic to bolster its army. Sounds like Ol' Z is getting desperate.

Maybe. But that makes it more dangerous.

Galina Edgecrusher: This is more like it. I like to see what I'm killing.

Agreed. Let's keep moving.

Snarl Backdraft: Someone's going to pay for Hekja...and for messing with our heads.

Count on that.

During the encounter with the Mouth of Zhaitan:

Mouth of Zhaitan: Another meal for my master.

Galina Edgecrusher: There's nothing for me to hit. Fall back and use ranged weapons!

Snarl Backdraft: More servants—cut 'em down! The Mouth's our real objective.

Mouth of Zhaitan: Stagger before the power of the dragon.

Mouth of Zhaitan: Submit to the will of Zhaitan!

Mouth of Zhaitan: You are nothing before Zhaitan's might.

After defeating the Mouth of Zhaitan:

Galina Edgecrusher: What a day! I've always wanted to punch a dragon in the Mouth.

Snarl Backdraft: And now your dream has come—wait. Did you feel that?

Galina Edgecrusher: I felt THAT. This whole place is coming down. Run, or we'll be celebrating in the Mists!

Upon reaching the mansion's door:

Snarl Backdraft: The door's still shut tight. Come on, Zrii. It's demolition time!

Agent Zrii: Why didn't you ask me sooner? By the time I set the charges, it'll be too late.

Galina Edgecrusher: Move aside, then. All that door needs is a dose of my shoulder.

After escaping Kitah Manse (cinematic):

Galina Edgecrusher: That was no earthquake, that was Zhaitan's roar. Ha! We made a dragon mad enough to throw a tantrum. Must be hungry, the poor little lizard.

Snarl Backdraft: Good. Now he knows we mean business. Nice work on that door, by the way. Who knew your hard head doubled as a battering ram?

Galina Edgecrusher: Careful, Snarl. You keep up with the compliments, and our commanding officers will assign us to permanent duty together.

<Character name>: Enough chatter. We suffered too many losses today. I should've sent a larger scouting party.

Agent Zrii: I disagree, Commander. You made the right call. You could have sent in all your scouts, and that mesmer dandy would have taken them all.

Agent Zrii: Come on, Marshal Trahearne's waiting back at Fort Trinity. The mission was a success. Let's go tell him so.

Talking to your allies:

Agent Zrii: It's a shame about Hekja, but this could have been avoided. The Pact needs to train all of its soldiers to recognize and deal with illusions.

I agree. And I know Marshal Trahearne does, too.

Galina Edgecrusher: I never had use for scouts, but Hekja deserved better than this. Still, a victory's a victory. Right, Commander?

Right. And we'll need a lot more of them before Zhaitan falls.

Snarl Backdraft: Hekja wasn't so bad. I was tough on her, but that's just professional courtesy. I'll make sure she's remembered as an Ash-worthy scout.

Thanks, Snarl. She'd have liked that.

Fort Trinity

Arriving back at Fort Trinity:

Trahearne: Welcome back. I'm glad you're safe. Let's begin the briefing.

Talking to the Order representatives:

(for Durmand Priory members)

Wynnet Fairhaired: Things have reached a critical stage, Commander. Even with our victories, we could lose everything if we don't move forward wisely.

Marshal Trahearne and I won't let that happen.

(otherwise)

Wynnet Fairhaired: This may sound selfish, but I still think you should have joined the Durmand Priory. But you're getting the job done, so the "how" and the "with whom" don't truly matter.

Let's see what Marshal Trahearne has for us.

(for Vigil members)

Warmaster Efut: General Soulkeeper wanted you to know she's been watching your progress. You're carrying out the Vigil's primary mission, and she couldn't be happier with the results.

Tell the general I said thanks, and to keep watching. Victory's coming.

(otherwise)

Warmaster Efut: Things would've been different if you'd joined us, but I can't argue with your results. Keep up the good work.

Thank you. Now let's see what Marshal Trahearne has to say.

(for Order of Whispers members)

Doern Velazquez: Congratulations on shutting the Mouth. I'm glad to see one of our own doing so well in such a public position. Now let's see what Trahearne has on his mind.

Agreed.

(otherwise)

Doern Velazquez: You're making quite a name for yourself, Commander. Makes it all the more painful that you didn't join our order, but we're all on the same side now, right?

Right. Let's check in with Marshal Trahearne.

The briefing (cinematic):

Trahearne: Welcome, friends and allies. We've just defeated a powerful Mouth of Zhaitan, effectively cutting off one of the dragon's major supply lines.

Trahearne: Now, we have to press our advantage. Reducing Zhaitan's food supply was a good start. It's time to stem the flow of reinforcements.

Wynnet Fairhaired: Reinforcements? You mean...

Doern Velazquez: He means dead bodies. Zhaitan's minions on the mainland are gathering and shipping corpses to Orr in massive numbers.

Trahearne: Precisely. Our next move is to confront Zhaitan in Orr. Before we strike, we need to weaken its position as much as possible.

Warmaster Efut: A sound strategy: starve the enemy and cripple its army before we invade. You learn fast, Marshal.

Trahearne: I have to, General. Now the commander and I need to confer and choose the best course of action.

Talking to the Order leaders before choosing the next course of action:

Wynnet Fairhaired: These twin mission objectives are quite the tactical challenge. I'm curious to see how you and the Pact handle it, but I'm confident that you'll be victorious.

Thanks for the vote of confidence.

Warmaster Efut: Two assaults at once? Impressive. Trahearne is thinking high risk/high reward, isn't he?

He knows that when you have the momentum, you press the advantage.

Doern Velazquez: Thinning out the enemy's numbers is a solid strategy. The Order of Whispers is at your disposal, Commander. Good luck.

Thank you, Preceptor.

Talking to Trahearne:

Trahearne: I'm sorry about Hekja, but I must agree with Agent Zrii: If Zhaitan is using mesmers this heavily, it's pulling out all the stops to crush the Pact before we crush it.

It's right to be scared. We're going to bury it.

Quite. And precisely the kind of aggressive response we need. Shall we discuss the campaign's next step?

Let's.

I need another moment before I'm ready.

I'm just glad that Tyria has finally joined forces to fight them.

We never would have made it this far otherwise. Now, shall we discuss the next stage of our campaign?

Of course.

I need a moment, but I'll be back.

You're the lynchpin, though. People will follow a marshal.

And a commander, it would seem. Now, shall we discuss the next step in our campaign?

Absolutely.

We've reached the point where we need to establish a forward base on Orrian soil. Zhaitan's vast army gives it the advantage, but we're going to address that.

Right. We need to stop it from making it any bigger.

Yes. And to do that, we must shut down the ossuary that creates Zhaitan's most formidable monstrosities, or sink the giant ark that brings in corpses to fuel it.

Let's cut off the supply by sinking the ark. (Leads to A Grisly Shipment.)

Very well. I'll have a Pact squad standing by to join you. I'll also send a different squad to attack the ossuary. And this time, Commander, I'll be going with you.

I won't let you down, Marshal.

Why is that?

I need to see what the ark is carrying and how it functions. It will help me prepare the next phase of our invasion of Orr.

I understand. It'll be good to have you with us.

Thank you. I have some preparations first. Speak to Captain Antje at Fort Trinity sub dock when you're ready, and I'll meet you there.

See you there.

Let's stop this problem at its source: the ossuary. (Leads to Ossuary of Unquiet Dead.)

Excellent. I'll have another Pact squad deal with the ark. And as much as I hate to risk us both on the same mission, I must join you for this one.

Glad to have you with us, Marshal.

Why is that?

We'll be dealing with ancient Orrian funeral rites and death magic. My expertise will be necessary to unravel all of the mysteries we'll encounter.

I'll be glad to have you with us, Marshal.

Thank you. I have some preparations to make before I'll be ready. Meet me at the Pact camp outside the ruins of Wren and the mission will proceed from there.

Until then.

I need more information.

I'll provide as much detail as I can.

Is our target ship Zhaitan's only source of corpses?

No, but it is the flagship of Zhaitan's corpse ark fleet, capable of making multiple pick ups daily. It must be sunk.

We must stop Zhaitan's army from expading. I'm ready to decide. (Back to the decision overview.)

I have another question.

What can we expect at the ossuary?

It's the heart of Zhaitan's horde-production: corpses go in, abominations come out. Expect magic, monsters, the worst Orr has to offer. It is a vital target.

I'm ready to decide. We must stop Zhaitan's army from expading. (Back to the decision overview.)

I have another question.

We must stop Zhaitan's army from expading. I'm ready to decide. (Back to the decision overview.)

I need another moment to decide.

I need a moment, Marshal. I'll be right back.

I need a moment, but I'll be back.

Then we keep up the pressure.

Talking to Trahearne after selecting one of the personality options above, but escaping the dialogue before making a choice:

Trahearne: These are dangerous missions, Commander. I shall review the details for you before you choose.

Tell me about both plans again. (Leads to "Absolutely." above)

Not right now.

Talking to the Order leaders before they leave: (must be quick)

Wynnet Fairhaired: I just want to reiterate that the Priory and all its resources are standing by. If you need us, we'll be there.

Glad to hear it.

Warmaster Efut: Good luck with your operation, Commander. The Vigil is standing by to support both missions if necessary.

Glad to hear it.

Doern Velazquez: It's too bad you can't be in two places at once, Commander, but don't worry: you focus on your mission and leave the rest to us.

Will do.

After choosing to fight in the ossuary:

Trahearne: Be advised, Commander: the ossuary is steeped in powerful magic and crawling with Risen, but we can't let it generate any more abominations for Zhaitan.

I've got this, Marshal. I'll see you soon.

After choosing to stop the ark:

Trahearne: Be advised, Commander: the ship is both heavily armed and guarded, but it must be sunk to stop Zhaitan's army from growing.

I'll handle my end, Marshal. Don't you worry.

My story

“ I led a Pact squad into Orr to take out the Mouth of Zhaitan that was operating in Kitah Manse. We fought through the corrupted lord of the manse's illusions, killed him and his undead servants, and disposed of the Mouth, but we lost good soldiers in the process. Without the Mouth, Zhaitan's food supply has been curtailed. I returned to Fort Trinity to check in with Marshal Trahearne and plan the Pact's next move. I met with Marshal Trahearne and decided the Pact's next step was to cut off the supply of corpses that Zhaitan corrupts into soldiers for its army. — My story

Notes

Bugs:

• Some players are unable to progress after your host's initial dialogue. To get around this, climb on top of the door to open it.
• On "Defend the perimeter while Hekja scouts the manse", if you kill the Risen Chicken before the NPCs can attack it, then you may stall and be forced to restart the instance.
• At the "Escape from Kitah Manse", if your character is not right next to the door when the dialogue happens with Galina saying she's going to push the door open, the door open animation may not trigger and you will be stuck inside with no more way out, except to restart the instance.

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Pact storyline